BAYER POLYMERS' DESMOPAN® ALIPHATIC THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE CHOSEN FOR PROSTHETIC PARTS APPLICATION

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BAYER POLYMERS' DESMOPAN® ALIPHATIC THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE CHOSEN FOR PROSTHETIC PARTS APPLICATION
19 August 2003 - Bayer MaterialScience AG

The Grip 3's new surface design and gripping force allows users to handle anything from an egg to a sledgehammer. The prosthetic prehensor's gripping force is controlled directly by the user and it makes use of an opposable thumb and forefinger design that closely duplicates the function of a human hand.

By using natural musculoskeletal movement and natural sensory pressure, users of the device can now also 'feel' what they are holding.

'This is the next generation in prosthetic prehensors,' said Bob Radocy, a user of the Grip 3 and founder and president of TRS Inc. 'By adding Bayer Polymers' soft-grip Desmopan TPU material to the design of the prehensor, we've developed an even more realistic, user-friendly device. As a small company, it was beneficial to work with a proven supplier that could offer both product expertise and application experience.'

The prosthetic prehensor also harmonizes with the body's natural bio-mechanics, and relies on muscle power to operate. The device is attached to a harness worn by the user and a cable links the harness to the prosthetic hand. This system allows the voluntary closing device to pull closed under cable tension.

TRS offers a full range of prosthetic devices in addition to the Grip 3. With its molder, ProMold Inc., TRS plans to incorporate Desmopan TPU and other unique materials into a variety of future devices. 'Our ongoing goal is to develop new user-friendly devices that help improve the lives of physically disabled people,' added Radocy.

Radocy, an upper limb amputee, founded TRS Inc. in 1979 to improve performance of prosthetic devices. He lost his left hand about four inches below the elbow in an auto accident in 1971. In 1977, while in graduate school, he applied his engineering and biological sciences education and design experience to create a high performance prehensor. In 1980, the Grip prehensile hand became the first to be manufactured by TRS. TRS has since grown to become a world-leading innovator of body-powered prosthetic devices.

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About: Bayer MaterialScience AG
Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is part of the worldwide Bayer Group, an international health care, nutrition and innovative materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. Bayer employs 23,300 in North America with net North American sales of 8.8 billion euros in 2003. Bayer’s three operating business areas – HealthCare, CropScience and MaterialScience, improve people’s lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose and treat diseases, protect crops and advance automobile safety and durability.

Bayer MaterialScience AG is one of the world's largest producers of polymers and high-performance plastics. The main customers for Its innovative developments in coatings, adhesives, insulating materials and sealants, polycarbonates and polyurethanes are the automotive and construction industries, the electrical/electronics segment and manufacturers of sports and leisure goods, packaging, and medical devices.

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